If you’re looking for something a little different from the typical sun, sea and sand family holiday, you might to think about Geneva in Switzerland. The second most populous city in the country, it is the capital of the French-speaking region of Romany and sits, of course, on the banks of Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. It can be an expensive city, but while there are hotels to suit every budget, a stay in luxury such as the Grand Hotel Kempinski is a great place to base your holiday in this fantastic city.

Geneva is a place of stunning natural beauty, but there are also plenty of exciting and educational activities for adults and children alike.

Educational attractions

The Museum of Natural History should be on any itinerary for a family holiday to Geneva, as it boasts a huge permanent zoological exhibition that has something for all animal enthusiasts. There are also a range of specialist exhibits providing further insight into the animal kingdom – what’s more, it’s free!

The Patek Philippe Museum is another must-see, delving deep into Switzerland’s famed history of watchmaking. It explores the techniques used over the centuries to produce the world’s finest watches and displays some amazing timepieces made for famous names.

Those with an interest in religious history should check out Eglise Russe, a stunning church rich in architectural splendour and beautiful art, but the real star attraction in Geneva, something you won’t find anywhere else, is CERN, the world’s largest particle physics research centre. Visitor exhibitions at the centre provide a fascinating insight into the Big Bang and the building blocks of the universe, and the laws that govern natural life as we know it.

Fun attractions

On the bank of Lake Geneva is Yatouland, a brilliant collection of fun outdoor parks for children of all ages. The Vernier park is a fun and colourful indoor centre with climbing frames, trampolines, bouncy castles and much more, providing hours of entertainment for kids – but don’t worry, there is a comfortable seating area and café for parents! Yatouland is also home to the Geneve-Plage, an outdoor park with more bouncy castles, slides and chances to dive into heated pools or Lake Geneva itself.

Touring Lake Geneva is a great way to relax and take in the stunning scenery at the same time, and there are a host of boat tours available to suit any pocket. Also worth investigation is the Jet d’Eau, one of the largest fountains in the world, which shoots water 140 metres into the air.

Image by Tattooed JJ